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Apprentice Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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$12

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$38

How much do apprentice designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice designer in Chicago, IL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Designer, you generally need a basic understanding of design principles, creativity, and proficiency with graphic design or CAD software, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma is typically required, and some employers may value certifications in these platforms. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn help an apprentice stand out in collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to contribute effectively to projects, grow your abilities, and adapt to the fast-evolving design industry.

What is the difference between Apprentice Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectApprentice DesignerJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBasic education, often in progress of learning design skillsFormal education or training in design, some experience
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised, entry-level projectsCollaborative team setting, handling assigned design tasks
Employer & Industry UsageInternships, apprenticeships, entry-level roles in design firmsEntry-level professional role in design agencies or companies

The main difference between an Apprentice Designer and a Junior Designer is the experience level and scope of responsibilities. An Apprentice Designer is typically in training, focusing on learning and developing skills under supervision. A Junior Designer has more experience, can handle specific tasks independently, and contributes more actively to projects. Both roles serve as stepping stones in a design career, with apprenticeships emphasizing learning and junior roles emphasizing application.

What is an apprentice designer?

Apprentice designers are entry-level professionals who work under the guidance of experienced designers to learn the fundamentals of design in a real-world environment. They typically assist with tasks such as creating drafts, developing concepts, and supporting the design team with various projects. This role provides hands-on experience and training, helping apprentices build their skills and portfolios as they prepare for more advanced positions in the design field.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an apprentice designer expect during their first year?

As an Apprentice Designer, you'll typically support experienced designers on a range of projects, such as creating visual assets, assisting with research, and contributing to brainstorming sessions. Your daily tasks may include preparing mockups, revising designs based on feedback, and collaborating with both design and cross-functional teams like marketing or development. You'll likely have the chance to gradually take on more complex assignments as you gain confidence and demonstrate your skills. This hands-on experience is designed to help you build a strong portfolio and develop a deep understanding of design workflows.
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Apprentice Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Tool and Die Maker Apprentice

OTTO Engineering, Inc.

Carpentersville, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Tool and Die Maker Apprentice
Why join OTTO Engineering?
  • At OTTO, we don't just manufacture products - we engineer mission-critical solutions with precision and pride. Our Tech Center showcases cutting-edge technology with complete engineering capabilities for designing, building, debugging and maintaining short run tooling, to high speed, large volume stamping dies.
  • As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness ... as a result, our growth continues!
  • Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company's profits to celebrate our collective success.
  • As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success.
  • We are proudly American!

Specifically, we are seeking ...
  • A willingness to excel in the machining / tool and die trade
  • Completion of an industrial technology high school program or equivalent
  • Good communication and organizational skills

OurTool and Die Maker Apprenticewill learn about metal stamping, die set-up, use all manual machines such as saws, mills, drill presses, grinder, lathes, wire EDM, and CNC milling.
The Apprenticeship Program consists of a three-year classroom (during the evening) and hands-on work (during the day) experience. The coursework will be taught by faculty through the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) located in Schaumburg, IL and the hands-on work experience will be completed at the OTTO Tech Center.
The Tool and Die Maker Apprentice will:
  • Operate Tool Room equipment
  • Do maintenance on machines
  • Build and assemble new tools
  • Interpret tooling prints
  • SPC
  • Keep a clean and safe work area
  • Understand the operation of the press
  • Assist with other related duties as required or assigned

About you - What you'll bring to the table:
  • High school diploma
  • Completion of an industrial technology high school program or equivalent
  • Consistent attendance
  • Attention to neat appearance
  • Willingness to excel in the machining trade
  • Availability for nonstandard or extended work schedule
  • Good communication and organizational skills
  • Reach heights that may require a stepladder
  • Lift equipment up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to work in a quick paced environment

What OTTO offers for this specific position:
  • Hourly rate: $18.00 per hour
  • OTTO will pay for the TMA training and education.
  • Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
  • Vacation: five days after 30 days of employment and 80 hours at 1 year - vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.

OTTO's Benefits:
Health:
Medical Insurance-
  • HMO Plan
  • Standard PPO Plan
  • Enhanced PPO Plan
  • High Deducible PPO Plan
  • FSA, LFSA, and HSA

Dental Insurance-
  • Base Plan
  • Buy-Up Plan

Vision Insurance
401(k) with a company match
Life insurance:
  • Life/AD&D
  • Voluntary Life/AD&D
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability

10 paid holidays
Company picnic
Holiday party
AND numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year!
To review all of OTTO's available opportunities, please visit our career page by clicking on the link below:
https://otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr/
OTTO Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran
Federal Notices
Federal EEOC - Know Your Rights
NLRB Notice
E-Verify
Request for Assistance / Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the online application process. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.
If you need an alternative method for applying, please contact OTTO Engineering via telephone at 847-428-7171or email at HRDepartment @ ottoexcellence.com
These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests; please do not inquire as to the status of an application.
OTTO Engineering does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters, agencies, or similar organizations; any submissions will not be honored.

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